A VPN service with free and paid packages Hotspot Shield is a VPN, also known as a private network, which can be used when browsing the web to give you privacy and anonymity. It turns the public network into private, which protects your identity from other people trying to track your data. It connects to a variety of different servers, hiding its IP address and displaying alternatives. This is a popular way for a company to connect with IT professionals to prevent hackers and identification methods from accessing (function () {(‘review-app-page-desktop’);}); Hotspot Shield or HSS has two options for users to choose from. There is a free status, which provides real-time access to the USA and is supported by advertising. It provides standard definitions, but does not integrate with popular streaming services. The second way to get a VPN is through a payment method, which works by subscribing for a month, a year or two. Features of the first program include an ad-free experience. You get access to more than seventy select locations and advanced streaming. When you are in the pay-per-view program, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer are not restricted, but you will need to use the right server. The speed of the free version is x1, while the payment programs offer x4 speeds. Fast connection The speed that Hotspot offers makes it one of the fastest VPNs on the market. It uses its own unique protocol called Catapult Hydra. In general, the speed decreases when using a VPN, but the connection remains fast and sometimes it was faster than a connection without a VPN. Switching between connections is also quick, clicking on a new location connects you to the server quickly for a few seconds. There are frequently asked questions to help free users, while paid subscriptions will give users customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You have the ability to connect five different devices to a payment account, which means that you can use this VPN option in several different locations or share with family members. Free members have the opportunity to try out a paid account for free. HSS was created by AnchorFree, which is known for its low-end products that promote security. They produced several other products, including the Chrome extension for Hotspot. This only encapsulates browser traffic, while a full VPN will also affect the apps you use. Simple settings The appearance of this VPN is nice, clean and easy to navigate, with a large Start button to connect you. You will see a clock indicating the duration of your connection, and the option to stop. There is a simple one-page settings menu that gives you access to everything you need, though advanced users may want more information. HSS is designed to connect when Windows starts. It will find your last used network and, once connected, you can switch to alternatives. The Hotspot Shield is known for its security, which means there are no IP or DNS leaks. They provide data protection through encryption and phishing scams. The application also provides automatic protection to protect your data in case your VPN connection drops for any reason. There are concerns about privacy and registration policies. Although they do not store activity records, some data is recorded during your session, such as your IP address. There are concerns about privacy policies and registration of the Hotspot Shield. Although they do not store transactions, some datarecorded during the session, such as an IP address, although deleted at the end of the session. As VPN focuses on privacy and anonymity, it is interesting to note that Hotspot Shield does not offer anonymous payment methods, like Bitcoin. There are other options. Although the Hotspot Shield has its advantages, not necessarily for everyone, you may want more control over the settings or you may need something simpler. There are alternatives on the market that can meet your needs if you do not agree with this VPN. An alternative comes from the same company AnchorFree, they created Betternet Free VPN, which is a service without data limits. Although the speed is much slower than the paid version of Hotspot, it is free and easy to use. You do not need to sign up for an account, just click and connect. If it is the payment package you are looking for, the appropriate alternative is IPVanish. It is a good choice for fast connection speed and privacy, and also offers connectivity from a variety of devices, but does not work with all streaming sites. It gives you the opportunity to use an anonymous payment method, as Bitcoin is accepted. If you are looking for the same package with free registration and payment, but a clear privacy policy, Windscribe may be your answer. Leasing data via this VPN is generous and the settings provide control over your options. However, you may find that the number of websites offered is much smaller than other popular and important VPNHotspot Shield has over 650 million users, which is a sign that they are doing something similar. The choice of packages they offer is impressive, and the highlight is the speed you can get, which means that smooth HD streaming over a VPN is a reality. Lack of DNS leaks and access to streaming services have undoubtedly contributed to its popularity. Overall, it is the ease of use and good customer service that distinguishes this product. The latest version of the software has improved several problems faced by users on specific servers. The local web server has been removed to fix the problem with CVE-2018-6460. There was also a bug in the Hot Spot Shield which was reported and modified.